As part of the Diamonds Study Centre's "Playing for Success" course, Year 8 students from Weavers, Wrenn and Wollaston Secondary Schools along with year 5 pupils from Oakway, Victoria and Hardwick Junior schools and a group of 'looked after children' got the chance to interview Rushden & Diamonds players.

The students all had a great time interviewing first team players Chris Hope, Curtis Osano, Marcus Kelly, Tom Shaw, Lee Tomlin, Michael Corcoran and Alex Bolt as well as some of the clubs prospective future stars in Jake Beecroft and Sam Smith.

The "Playing for Success" project is part of a national initiative, which involves a partnership between the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families) the County Council as well as Rushden & Diamonds Football Club itself. One of its major objectives is to raise standards in literacy amongst school children. The interview activity and the follow up work proved to be an invaluable exercise in the improvement of the students speaking, listening and writing skills in a very enjoyable way.

Helen Thompson, Chief Executive at Rushden & Diamonds said " I know that the players enjoy this activity as much as the children, and learn things about their colleagues of which they were previously unaware!! However, the benefit to the children is immense and we are pleased to be able to continue to offer this fantastic facility and initiative in conjunction with Northamptonshire County Council."

Michael Corcoran with Wollaston Secondary School

Curtis Osano with Victoria Juniors

Curtis Osano with Hardwick Juniors

Chris Hope with Wrenn Juniors